Mervin Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 Hi, I am a mature fixed wing UK PPL who is looking to complete some rotary training to PPL level in the USA; I originally completed my fixed wing training in San Diego. I am seeking some advice on school / aircraft options that are currently available in the states. The conundrum is that I am 6'6" and weigh 320lbs so not built for a R22! I have flown in, and prefer as I am not a robinson fan, a 269/300 but think it would be marginal to train in weight wise. So aside from the lose weight you fat bas***d, cut your legs off type of advise I am looking for some more helpful cost effective options that may be available in the current market. TIA Mervin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r22butters Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 320lbs? Well when I flew an Enstrom I was told it would hold three 200lbs people and a full tank of gas. I don't know if it still exists, but you could try the website. Bayhelicoptours. They had a few Enstroms at San Carlos just down from SFO? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoknows idont Posted September 7, 2015 Report Share Posted September 7, 2015 Depending on your belt-size you might not be able to apply full aft cyclic in many helicopters.Your weight should not be an issue in the 269 but your instructor obviously should be rather lightweight. And when flying solo you will probably need sandbags in the right seat to avoid lateral CG out of limit. Your size will be more of a problem. What you want is a Bell 205. That is the right helicopter for you. Edit: The 269 flight manual I have at hand states a 600lbs maximum cabin load. I recently flew 550lbs total in the cabin with two pax and around 70% go juice on a warm day around sea level. It was possible but marginal, not much fun. Not the way to go for initial training. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatpix Posted September 11, 2015 Report Share Posted September 11, 2015 Mervin, How mature are you? Like how old? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Posted September 11, 2015 Report Share Posted September 11, 2015 Hi, I am a mature fixed wing UK PPL who is looking to complete some rotary training to PPL level in the USA; I originally completed my fixed wing training in San Diego. I am seeking some advice on school / aircraft options that are currently available in the states. The conundrum is that I am 6'6" and weigh 320lbs so not built for a R22! I have flown in, and prefer as I am not a robinson fan, a 269/300 but think it would be marginal to train in weight wise. So aside from the lose weight you fat bas***d, cut your legs off type of advise I am looking for some more helpful cost effective options that may be available in the current market. TIA Mervin Long ago (1983) I had a similarly built student in a 269B, worked well. Use the thinnest back rest pad you can find (don't remember the seat having an issue, but maybe, he was tall) and be careful of max weight... with twin tanks... in a B-model 269. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervin Posted September 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2015 Thanks for the replies, I am 55 yrs old & ex military WSO (35 yrs & 9500hrs), I will find an Enstrom to have a look at in the UK and try it for size. I did enjoy a trip in a 300CB and like the feel of, what I believe to be, a proper cyclic setup as apposed to the Robbo. Keep the thoughts coming as they all help me think the quest through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippiesdrainage Posted September 12, 2015 Report Share Posted September 12, 2015 It's been a while but you could probably get some stick time in a Bell 47. It can hold a bit extra and has more room for a bigger pilot than the Robbie's because of the bench seat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam32 Posted September 12, 2015 Report Share Posted September 12, 2015 A Soloy Hiller or Bell 47 would work... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eagle5 Posted September 13, 2015 Report Share Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) Getting hard enough these days to find a 300, so where can you find a Hiller or 47 anymore? I ask because I'd love to fly a 47 myself. Edited September 13, 2015 by eagle5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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